Nearly 100 men will don four-inch red high heels Saturday as the Annual “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes” fundraiser for the Lily Pad Sexual Assualt Center steps off at 9.am. at the Deerfield-Windsor School track.

ALBANY — Nearly 100 men are set to slip into a pair of four-inch red high heels and put their best foot forward Saturday morning at Deerfield-Windsor School’s track as the Lily Pad Sexual Assault Center’s “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes” fundraiser steps off.

The one-mile walk in unfamiliar footwear is meant to raise awareness of the prevalence of sexual assault in south Georgia and to raise money to help provide services to those victims.

Each walker is asked to raise $500 in pledges for the event.

“This is one of two major fundraisers we hold each year,” Lily Pad Executive Director Cassandra Wright said. “Nearly 70 percent of our funding comes through grants, and we depend heavily on local fundraisers and donations to provide services to victims. For example, we provide forensic examination kits for our 32-county service area, in addition to things like clothes and toiletries to our clients.

“In order to be a comprehensive center, this funding is essential.”

F&W Forestry’s Dwight Sheppard has managed to so far talk nine of his colleagues to walk with him Saturday, and F&W CEO Marshall Thomas has pledged an extra $30 per man for whomever joins Sheppard.

“I got into this a couple of years ago when my wife (Alfreda) was working with the Lily Pad,” Sheppard said. “We believe in community involvement, and this is for a very worthy cause. And the company (F&W) does support that involvement very well.”

Sheppard added that the men seem to enjoy the event.

“It’s fun to see how women feel when they put on those heels,” he said. “But I have to wear socks. We had a guy a couple of years ago not wear socks and he blistered up pretty good.”

Former walk chairperson Cheryl Kaiser said the event serves more than one purpose.

“We always have a great time; seeing the men in high heels adds to a lighter environment and helps us deliver a message on a heavy subject,” Kaiser said. “We want to raise awareness about sexual assault and also use the day as a fundraiser for the services we provide.

“It’s really great for families and the community. It’s great when everybody comes together for the benefit of all.”

The walk is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. Saturday at the Deerfield-Windsor track. For more information, contact the Lily Pad at 435-0074.